Ovariohysterectomy in Cats
video about spaying here
General Information
Ovariohysterectomy is the medical term for spaying or neutering of female cats. The procedure consists of surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. If the ovaries are not removed, the bothersome heat periods still occur even though pregnancy is no longer possible. The surgery is usually performed at 6 to 9 months of age, before the first heat period.
Although it is routinely performed, ovariohysterectomy is major abdominal surgery requiring general anesthesia and sterile operating technique.
Prevention of pregnancy and heat periods is the main reason for the surgery, but the procedure is also performed in treating severe uterine infections, ovarian and uterine cancer, and some skin disorders.
What Are the Advantages?
- There will be no more heat periods.
- There will be no unwanted kittens.
- The uterine infections common to older cats rarely occur.
- There is less chance of mammary gland cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will it make my cat fat and lazy? No. Obesity is caused by excessive calorie intake. Weight can be controlled with proper feeding and exercise.
2. Will it change her disposition, personality, or intelligence? Cats’ personalities do not fully develop until about 1 year of age. If there is a personality change after spaying at an early age, it would have occurred without surgery.
3. Shouldn’t my cat have a litter first? No. There is no advantage in allowing your cat to have a litter of kittens.
Important Considerations Before and After Surgery
- Do not feed your cat for 10 hours before admittance for surgery.
- Restrict your cat’s activity for 3 days after surgery.
- Suture removal is not necessary. Sutures will dissolve on their own.
- Offer your cat a small amount of its regular diet this evening.
- Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur
- Your cat removes a suture or otherwise irritates the incision.
- Your cat refuses to eat or is depressed after the first day home.
- Your cat’s general health changes.